As a sustainable design…

As a sustainable design consultant with over 25 years of experience helping municipalities, developers, and non-profit organizations create high-performance, climate-resilient buildings, I am deeply concerned that Bill 17 could undermine long-term affordability, public health, and environmental responsibility in the name of expediency.

While I support the goal of streamlining housing approvals, the proposed automatic acceptance of development submissions from prescribed professionals eliminates crucial checks and balances. Independent municipal oversight is not red tape—it is a safeguard that ensures buildings meet the evolving needs of our communities, especially under the pressures of climate change.

Furthermore, green development standards are not barriers; they are essential tools that ensure new buildings are energy-efficient, resilient, and affordable to operate over time. Municipalities must retain the authority to implement these standards to protect their residents and infrastructure. It is possible to build affordable to Passivhaus design standards, and that should be the minimum to protect our future environment, and affordability in this province.

Please amend Bill 17 to:
• Preserve municipal authority to enforce non-conflicting green standards;
• Clarify how the legislation aligns with existing planning frameworks;
• Ensure that all development submissions remain subject to independent municipal review.

Let’s build faster and smarter—with integrity, transparency, and the long-term well-being of Ontarians in mind.